Calcasieu Parish school officials are urging parents to access the online Student Progress Center, a tool aimed to increase parents’ participation in their child’s education.

The website was launched last year, but Kirby J. Smith, school system spokeswoman, said many parents have yet to use it. Parents or guardians should expect a letter to come home with their children that includes instructions and a PIN.

“For grades K-12, the Student Progress Center provides instant access to current and past grades, detailed assignment reports, attendance and discipline records, standardized test scores, progress reports and transcripts,” Smith said in a news release. “Classroom teachers will maintain grade books online, in accordance with the CPSB Pupil Progression Plan, so parents and guardians can check on student performance at their convenience.”

Paula Michalko, software trainer in the data processing center, said information is uploaded in real time as teachers enter grades into the Student Information System.

“As soon as it’s entered, parents have access to it,” Michalko said. “It will help the parents be more involved and hold everyone accountable.”

Smith said the intent of the Student Progress Center is not to replace face-to-face conversations but to cultivate interaction.

In the future, there will be student login accounts separate from the parent and guardian accounts.

To login to the center visit cpsb.org and click on the “Grades” tab or go to the School Board’s mobile application. Smith said parents may contact their child’s school with any questions.

(mgnonline.com)